Bucks ACF Overseas

Bucks ACF Overseas

14 February 2021

  • Buckinghamshire ACF

Now you may think that being in the army cadets is just parading a few times a week and learning the APC syllabus but did you know you can also go on residential trips too?

Bucks ACF have taken us on many trips including skiing trips in The Alps, walking and mountaineering in Bavaria and even visiting the furthest points of the UK, the Shetland and Orkney Islands!

We have been very lucky to do trips to Belgium visiting the World War 1 sites which is always incredibly humbling knowing that you are walking in the footsteps of those who fought for our country. Whilst on the trip, we were extremely lucky to take part in one of the parades at The Menin Gate in Ypres. These parades are held every evening for anyone to attend and two of our cadets laid a wreath on our behalf.

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“Throughout the trip we were learning every day in the most fascinating ways; visiting museums and battlefields, walking through trenches and underground communication lines, and glancing across the fields of what was once no mans land. We visited many memorials and also had the opportunity to parade in front of the public and lay a wreath at The Menin Gate in Ypres. It was such a surreal experience.”

Cdt LCpl Taylor Bateman

During the 5 days of our trip, we visited many memorial grounds but the one that stood out the most to all of us was the Tyne Cot Cemetery. It is the largest commonwealth cemetery for burials in the world with a staggering 11,961 recorded burials of those, 8,373 are unidentified soldiers. Seeing this site was breath taking and definitely an experience that many of us will never forget,

As well as being a historical trip, there is always the chance for a little bit of down time and for us in this trip, we were lucky to spend our last morning in Brugge where we had a little shopping trip and we were lucky to have some proper Belgium chocolate which was yummy! If you ever get the oppurtunity to go on one of these trips, its highly recommended by cadets and adult staff throughout the battalion! These trips take place once a year and are usually in the October half term.